After two days tainted by occasional rain, clouds or wind gusts, today emerged as the weekend's grand finale. The high temperature in Newark was 83 degrees. It hit 80 in Atlantic City and 82 in Trenton.

Steve Hockstein/ For The Star-LedgerMilitary veterans march down Broad Street during Bloomfield's Memorial Day Parade on Monday morning.

Down the Shore, water temperatures ranged from the mid 50s near Atlantic City to the mid 60s near Cape May. Beaches were relatively busy. More than 3,000 people streamed onto the sand in Seaside Heights. The parking lots were full at Jenkinson's Boardwalk in Point Pleasant Beach.

"The weather is beautiful -- not too humid. Nice breeze," said Diana Bulkley, a marketing assistant at Jenkinson's.

In Morris County, more than 300 people gathered beneath the late-morning sun for a somber service at Jefferson Township's American Legion Post 245. A high school marching band played "The Star-Spangled Banner" as the crowd processed to Lake Hopatcong and cast a memorial wreath into the water.

"Today we pause to remember the men and women who gave their lives for the way of life we all share," said Lt. Col. Tim Anderson, a U.S. Air Force member diagnosed five weeks ago with cancer.

Steve Hockstein/ For The Star-LedgerPiccoloist Cate Gropper of Glen Ridge marches with the Glen Ridge High School Marching Band in Bloomfield's Memorial Day Parade on Monday.

Doris Fennecken, 84, of Jefferson, was there to remember her husband, William, who died last month. He served in the U.S. Navy in World War II.

"I know he would be proud," said Fennecken, who was surrounded by her grandchildren.

In Dover, American flags hung over Blackwell Street to usher in the town's Memorial Day parade, dating back to 1922. Hundreds lined the sidewalks, sitting on lounge chairs and cheering the cavalcade of smiling scout troops, gleaming fire trucks and kilt-wearing bagpipers.

At nearby JFK Commons Park, a crowd gathered to honor four women who toiled in local factories during World War II. Ruth Little, 83, designed gages at Picatinny Arsenal.

"I'm very proud. This is my country, and that was my job," she said.

In Bloomfield, Al Formica wore a red-white-and-blue sash and rode atop a convertible as grand marshal of the township's Memorial Day parade.

"It's such an inspiration to see so many people give me the honor of being here today," said Formica, a World War II veteran who has lived 58 years in Bloomfield.

Among the crowd was Harry Leonard, an 88-year-old World War II veteran who said it is important to remember those who have died for their country.

"I hope a lot of people do remember," said Leonard, who was stationed in the Pacific and said he witnessed an attack on an aircraft carrier that killed 15 of his fellow soldiers.

Amanda Brown/ The Star-LedgerMembers of the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office march up Albany Street and Raritan Avenue during the annual Memorial Day Parade through New Brunswick and Highland Park.

In Somerset County, cycling buffs gathered for the 65th Tour of Somerville, the oldest bicycle race in the United States. The jaunt -- sometimes called the "Kentucky Derby of Cycling" -- dates back to 1940.

The first crash of the day came about 500 yards from the finish line, when a tire blew, sending several riders tumbling to the pavement.

"It's a good think they're young," said Judy Anderson, of Raritan, who was sitting a few yards away. "They all got up and seemed to be fine."

Despite the postcard-perfect weather, the crowd in Somerville was noticeably smaller than in years past. Fewer than 100 fans watched from Main Street, where at least five storefronts along had "For Rent" or "Going out of Business" signs in their windows.

When Mayor Brian Gallagher walked by at the front of the parade, someone in the crowd shouted, "We need a shopping center," referring to a local vacant strip mall.

All holiday weekends must end, and this one ended early for many down the Shore.

Crowds began hitting the parking lots as early as 2 p.m. By 3 p.m., the Garden State Parkway was jammed from Barnegat to Sayreville, said Joseph Orlando, a spokesman for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority.